Car-coupling.



I J. W. EARTH & J. P. ROBERTSON.

CAR COUPLING.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5, 1909,

1 ,080, 744. Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

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WITNESSES INVENTORS comma VLANOGRAPH c0., wAsHiN c.

J. W. BARTH & J. F. ROBERTSON.

OAR COUPLING.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5, 1909.

1,080,744. Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WTTEE %TATE% PATENT @FFTQE.

JOHN W. EARTH AND JAMES F. ROBERTSON, OE PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

CAR-COUPLING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

Application filed March 5, 1909. Serial No. 481,493.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JOHN W. EARTH and James F. ROBERTSON, bot-h residents of Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Car-Couplers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to automatic car couplers, and is an improvement upon the coupler covered by United States Patent No. 859,279, granted July 9, 1907, to John W. Barth.

The object of the present invention is to improve the coupler covered by said patent in numerous particulars in order to render the same more etlicient, reliable, and easier and more convenient to operate.

The invention comprises the various features of construction and arrangement hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of one form of coupler showing the knuckle open; Fig. 2 is a horizontal section through the same showing the knuckle in lock-set position; Fig. 3 is in part a front view and in part a vertical section showing the locking member in full lock position; Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical section showing the locking member in full lock position; Fig. 5 is a transverse section on the line 5-5, Fig. 2, with the parts in full lock position; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the knuckle; Fig. 7 is aview of the end of the knuckle tail; Figs. 8 and 9 are details of the knuckle tail and locking pin showing the parts in release and half lock posit-ions, respectively; Fig. 10 is a front face view of the locking pin; and Fig. 11 is a View similar to Fig. 4 showing a modification.

The drawings show an automatic coupler of the Master Car Builders type having the usual draw head 1 provided with a shank 2 for attaching the same to the draft-gear, and provided with the two forwardly projecting arms or horns, to wit, the knuckle bearing arm 3 and the guard arm 4. The knuckle 5 is pivoted by means of pin 6 to the arm 3 in the usual way. The head is recessed to provide a roof 7 and floor 8. The knuckle is provided with a tail 9 having a segmental end projecting back into the recess of the head, and having the laterally projecting; portion or hook 10 which when the knuckle The roof 7 and floor 8 of the head are provided with alining openings 12 and 13 in which works the locking member 14. The latter is of simple and solid construction having at its upper end the substantial rectangular locking portion 15 which is guided and firmly held in the rectangular opening 12. Below the locking portion 15 the locking member is cut away to form a recess 18 which permits the tail of the knuckle to pass the locking member when the latter is raised suificiently for the locking portion 15 to clear the knuckle tail. This recess also provides a shoulder 20 which rides on the knuckle tail and holds the locking member elevated when the knuckle is open. Below the recess 18 a projecting portion 21, preferably an inclined shoulder, is shown which when the pin is pulled to the full extent upwardly engages an inclined face 22 on the bottom of the segmental knuckle tail and throws the knuckle to open position. The lower part of the portion 15 of the locking member is cut away to provide a preliminary locking face 23. The knuckle tail is provided with two locking faces 24 and 25, the latter projecting beyond the former toward the center line of the coupler. When the locking member is in full lock position, that is, fully down, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, its portion 15 engages the face 24 and its face 23 engages the face 25 on the knuckle tail. In case the couplers are presented to each other at a very sharp angle, as is the case when attempting to couple on short curves, the knuckle will not swing inwardly far enough to permit of the full look. In that case, however, the locking member will drop part way to the position shown in Fig. 9 with the face 23 on the locking member engaging face 24 of the tail to give a preliminary or half look so that when the cars are pulled on to a straight track the slacking of the train will cause the knuckle to swing fully inwardly and the locking member to drop to full lock position. This preliminary locking dispenses with the necessity of making link and pin couplings on sharp curves and makes the coupling automatic under all conditions.

The description so far given applies also to the coupler shown in the Patent No. 859,279 above referred to. The improvements in the present coupler will now be described. The knuckle pivoting arm or horn 3 of the drawhead is made somewhat longer than in the aforesaid patent, so that the knuckle is pivoted farther forward. The tail is relatively longer than in said former patent, and the side locking faces 24 and 25 extend farther toward the center line of the coupler, so that when the knuckle swings open, as shown in Fig. 1, the tail lies in fairly close position to the guard arm 4, leaving such small space at this point that the knuckle of the opposing coupler when making couplings cannot enter said space and wedge between the tail and the guard arm, but is compelled to contact with the knuckle tail and swing the same toward locking position. The extension of the knuckle tail toward the center line of the coupler also gives a greater overhang of the tail above the projection 21 on the locking member so that when the latter is elevated the projection 21 does not strike the point of the knuckle tail and wear the latter, but strikes considerably outward from the point and with an angular flat surface so that wear is greatly reduced.

The locking faces 15 and 23 on'the locking member and the cooperating faces 24 and 25 on the tail are slightly beveled as shown in Fig. 5, so that a part of the locking member can be said to be overhung by a part of the knuckle tail. This prevents the locking member from creeping upwardly under the j olting of the train. Furthermore, in order for the locking member to lift it is necessary for its lower end to swing backwardly, this being due to the projection 21 on the pin underlying a beveled shoulder 28 on the floor of the draw-head. (Fig. 4). This necessary backward swing of the locking member is resisted by the friction due to the pressure of the knuckle tail against the locking member. Consequently the liability of the locking member creeping upwardly under the jolting of the train and accidentally unlocking the knuckle is avoided.

When the locking member is lifted sufficiently to free the knuckle, its lower end swings forwardly and rests upon the floor of the draw-head at 29 and is thus held in unlocked, or what is known as, lock-set position, so that trainmen can release the operating means and leave the coupler in such position than when the cars pull apart the knuckle will swing open. The ledge 29 as well as the lower end of the locking member are slightly beveled (Fig. 4) so that the jolting of the train will not jar the locking member from its lock-set position. A shoulder 30 prevents the lower end of the locking member from swinging too far forwardly and holds the locking member in such position that there is a slight space between the end of the knuckle and the cut away portion of the in (see Fig. 2). Consequently is case of buiiing shocks exerted on the coupler when in lock-set position the knuckle tail will not contact with the locking member, and consequently there is no danger of dislodging the latter from its lock-set position as would be the case if the locking member could swing forwardly into contact with the tail. A further improvement provides means for positively swinging the locking member to lock-set position. This is accomplished by a beveled projection 31 on the rear side of the locking member at its lower end, which projection in the upward movement of said locking member engages with the rear wall of the opening 13 and causes the lower end of the locking member to be positively pushed forward over the ledge 29. The'lower end of the locking member in the first part of its upward movement is swung toward the rear by the beveled shoulder 28, thus bringing the center of gravity of said locking member out of repose, so that gravity would tend to swing it into lock-set position. The beveled proj ection 31 assists in this movement and posi-' tively moves the locking member to lock-set position. I V

In order to prevent the locking member from catching when it drops a suitable guide 32 is provided at the rear of the pin and eX- tending across the hollow of the shank 2. This prevents the lower end of the locking member from swinging backwardly into the hollow of the shank and lodging therein. The locking member on one of its side faces bears against a continuous vertical wall 33 so that it cannot lodge on that side when dropping. On its opposite side it might lodge on the floor of the draw-head, but'to prevent this the lower end of the locking member on said side is beveled ed, as shown at 34, which prevents it from catching on the floor ofthe draw-head.

The inclined face 22 on the knuckle tail is very steep, so that the knuckle is thrown open with a minimum amount of power and friction. The segmental end of the tail is formed slightly eccentric, as indicated by the dotted line 35 (Fig. 2) which is struck around the center of the pin 6. The longer radius of this eccentric is toward the central line of the coupler, so that when the knuckle swings open the end of the knuckle tail gradually recedes from the locking member, so that there is no contact of the end face of the knuckle tail against the locking member and consequently no friction at this point. This also assists in reducing the power necessary to throw the knuckle open.

In the patent above referred to the contact of the knuckle tail with the locking member was necessary when dislodging the latter from its lock-set position. In the present instance such contact is dispensed with in upper face of the knuckle tail. This cam projection is so located that when the knuckle swings to open position the shoulder 20 on the locking member rides over said cam and drops down outside the same. The outer part of the cam is so formed that when the knuckle swings toward locking position the shoulder 20 on the locking member cannot ride back over said cam, but is engaged by the outer face of the cam and pushed toward the rear, thus dislodging the lower end of the locking member from the ledge 29 and causing said locking member to be carried entirely by its shoulder 20 on the knuckle tail, sothat when the knuckle tail is swung inwardly sufliciently far the locking member drops to engage the knuckle tail either in half lock or full lock position, depending upon the extent to which the knuckle has been swung inwardly.

The locking member may be in the form of a pin projecting up through the roof of the draw-head, as shown in Figs. 1 to 10, and provided with means, such as an eye 38, for the attachment of a lifting chain or lever, or it may be shortened so that it does not project up through the top wall, as shown in Fig. 11, in which case the recess in the drawhead will not open on top, but will be covered as at 39. In the latter case the lockingv member must be lifted from below, and in the former case it may also be lifted from below as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. The bottom lifting means comprises a lever 40 pivoter to ears 41 on the sides of the draw-head and having its upper end 12 adapted for the connection of an operating chain or rod which can extend out to the car sides, and having its lower end 43 curved inwardly and lying underneath the lower face of the looking member and adapted when operated to push said locking member upwardly, as will be readily understood. The lower face of the locking member and also preferably the end of the lifting lever are beveled, as shown at 14, in a manner to permit the locking member to slide forwardly on said lifting lever, in order that the locking member may be readily moved to lock-set position. The lifting lever described may be pivoted on either side of the draw-head and in order to be operated from either side of the car as shown. In fact the coupler shown in Figs. 1 and 2 has its locking member adapted to be lifted either from the top or from the bottom and from either side of the car, thus adapting the coupler to all conditions and requirements of use.

The operation of the coupler described will be readily understood from the foregoing description, and in general is the same as that of Patent No. 859,279, above referred to. The several specified improvements do not afiect the general operation of the couler but im rove the same so as to increase the efficiency and reliability thereof and also render the same easier and more reliable in operation. The coupler will couple the cars under all conditions, even on very sharp curves, and: there is no danger of the wedging of the knuckles when the cars come together. The knuckle is so pivoted and projects toward the center line to suclr an extent that a strong and positive lock is formed and :the knuckle is also securely held agalnst pulling out in case the pivot pin should break.

The knuckle is positively thrown open by the mere lifting of the locking member and this can be effected with a minimum amount of power due to-the sharp incline of the lower face of the knuckle tail and the entire ab ,sence of friction. The locking member has all of the positions and capabilities of locking members of any of the most improved types of car couplers and in addition provides for the half lock position. The parts are all of simple and solid construction giving. great strength and reducing breakage to a minimum.

WVhat we claim is 1. In a car coupler, the combination of a recessedhead, aknuckle pivoted thereto and provided with a tail projecting into said head, a vertically movable locking member in said head having a substantially straight ,rear' face, projections on the front and rear face of said locking member at the lower end projecting beyond the body thereof and arranged to contact with the walls of said head when lifted, the projection on the forward face of the locking member underlying a wall of the head when the locking member is in looking position, said projections and contacting wall portions being relatively inclined and arranged to force the lower end of the pin first backwardly and then forwardly as it is being lifted, and a ledge for supporting said locking member in lock-set position.

2. In a car coupler, the combination with a recessed head having an opening in the floor thereof, a knuckle pivoted therein and provided with a tail projecting into the head, and having a side locking face, a locking member vertically movable in said head through said opening and cooperating with said locking face, cooperating portions on the front of the locking member and on one side of said opening in the head, one of which is beveled, and that on the head overhanging that on the locking member when the latter is in full lock position, and a beveled projection on the rear face of the looking member at its lower end, said projection extending beyond the body of the member and arranged when the locking member is lifted to cont-act with an edge of said opening in the head and positively move the lower end of the locking member forwardly, and a ledge on said head arranged to suption.

3. In a car coupler, the combination of a recessed head, a knuckle pivoted therein and provided with a tail adapted to project into said head, said tail having a segmental end portion having its end face uniformly curved and eccentric to its pivot, said tail having its longer radius toward the center line of the coupler, a vertically movable locking member in said head and provided with a shoulder adapted to ride on the knuckle tail, a ledge for supporting said locking member in lock-set position, and a cam on the upper face of the knuckle tail arranged when the knuckle swings open to permit the locking member to ride over the cam and to reseat upon the said ledge but when the knuckle swings to closed position to push the lockin member rearwardly to clear said ledge. 7

4:. In a car coupler, the combination of a recessed head, a knuckle pivoted thereto and provided with a tail projecting into the head and having an inclined lower face, a vertically movable locking member. guided in said recessed head, said locking member be- Gopies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of latents,

ing cut away to form a recess to permit the knuckle tail to pass when the locking memthe recess which engages the inclined lower face of the knuckle tail when the locking member is fully elevated and serves to ti row the knuckle open, a ledge for supporting said locking member in lock-set position, and a cam projection on the upper face of the knuckle tail arranged when the knuckle swings open to permit the shoulder on the locking member to ride over the cam and reseat upon said ledge and when the knuckle swings toward closed position to push the locking member rearwardly to clear said ledge but remain with its shoulder seated upon the knuckle.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands.

JOHN W, EARTH. JAMES F. ROBERTSUN.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM I. KING, F. W. WINTER.

Washington, D. G. 

